When you first learn you have heart disease, it's normal to feel sad or low.  These feelings may get better as you learn more about your condition and how to manage it.  But if they continue or interfere with your normal activities, you may be experiencing depression.

Depression can slow your recovery and actually increase your risk of future cardiac events.  You may be less likely to follow your treatment plan if you're suffering depression. 

Over the past 2 weeks, have you been bothered by:  

(1) Little interest or pleasure in doing things?
(2) Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?

If you answered "yes" to either question, you may be depressed.

Tips

• Talk to your healthcare professional.  Depression is a common medical condition, not a character flaw, and you shouldn't be afraid to talk about your feelings.
  
•  Ask about treatment for depression. Treatment options include counseling, anti-depressant medicine or a combination.
  
• Confide in someone you trust, such as a family member, friend or a clergy person. Those close to you may already know you're depressed and want to help.
  
• Be active.  Regular physical activity helps release endorphins that make you feel better. Physically active adults have lower risk of depression and cognitive decline.
  
• Recognize that depression is part of your condition rather than feeling as though it's one more thing wrong with you. Consider recovering from depression to be part of your overall treatment plan.

This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated 01/09/09.